Termites

What Are Termites?

Termites live together in social colonies that are divided into three different castes or groups in order to maintain their colony. Termite castes include workers, soldiers, and reproductives (kings and queens). Termites feed on cellulose, primarily in the form of wood, though they also feed on soil, excrement, and decaying leaves and grass. While they are mainly viewed as destructive pests, termites are valuable to the global ecosystem, helping to break down dead or decaying wood and other organic matter. However, it can’t be argued that when termites find their way into homes and other buildings, they turn from helpful to invasive and destructive.

Are Termites Dangerous?

Termites are dangerous pests. Though they pose no direct danger to northern New Jersey residents, they are responsible for extensive and costly structural damage. Termites are responsible for causing more than 5 billion dollars in damage across the country each year. Termite damage isn’t typically covered by homeowners' insurance, as their damage is generally viewed as preventable. Termites enter homes "silently" and can work for months, or even years, without detection. They work on the inside of the wood they have invaded leaving the outside looking "normal". More times than not a termite infestation isn’t discovered until their damage is extensive.

Why Do I Have a Termite Problem?

Termites will make themselves at home on any property that provides them with an environment suitable for nesting and feeding (decaying plant matter). Once established on your property, they will most likely find their way inside your home while foraging for food sources. Workers accidentally find their way into homes through cracks in the foundation or through wood-to-soil contact, such as with door frames, deck posts, wood shingles, and porch steps. Termites nesting directly on your property or on neighboring properties have the potential to invade and damage your home.

Common Areas to Find Termites

Termites travel from their food source to their nest through underground tunnels or mud tubes that they create on the surface of basement walls, foundations, and the ground. Termites are initially attracted to water-damaged or decaying wood, but will eventually begin attacking sound wood and even non-wooden items. Inside homes and other structures, termites travel behind walls, underneath flooring, and above ceilings to feed on structural supports, beams, flooring, wooden trim, and sub-flooring.

How Do I Get Rid of Termites?

The best way to solve your northern New Jersey property's termite problem is to partner with a local pest control company. When you partner with Heritage Pest Control, our reliable and friendly professionals will be at your residential or commercial property within 24 hours to assess the infestation and recommend treatment. We are proud to provide all of our customers with reliable, affordable and environmentally friendly pest solutions. To learn more about our termite control services, reach out to us!